Alzheimer’s disease – How We Can Help

One of the most common conditions found in seniors is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Dementia and a condition that we come across on a daily basis with many of our clients.  The typical warning signs of Alzheimer’s are memory loss, and thinking and behavior issues. According to the Alzheimer’s Association the disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of Dementia cases.  

There are several steps that you can take to make the process of caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s condition a little bit easier. 

1) Limit their frustrations

• Reduce stress by limiting the choices that the senior has to make while still involving them in the decisions of everyday living. 
• Reduce the amount of distractions that the senior faces throughout the day allowing them to keep their mind clear.
• Provide them with instructions to complete a task that are easy to understand and remember.
• Be patient with the senior and allow them to still be involved in the activities that they enjoy.

2) Be Cautious 

• Alzheimer’s disease can increase the likelihood of a fall so make sure that the senior always has a clear path to transition throughout the day. 
• Alzheimer’s disease has also been linked to wandering.  Make sure to keep a close eye on the senior at all times.
• Keep dangerous items out of the seniors reach (example: medicine, knifes, firearms) 

Living with Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically draining on both the senior who is suffering, and their family.  Having a caregiver who is both patient and understands how to limit the risk of injury throughout the day is vital.  If you are interested in finding out more information on Alzheimer’s disease, and how to make the home safer to support this condition please contact us today. 

Alzheimer’s is more than just a condition we write about and work around.  We are passionate about providing quality in-home care services to the Alzheimer’s community and also supporting the mission to find a cure.  Recently, we participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s that took place along the scenic Riverfront in Wilmington, DE.  The event raised millions of dollars to support Alzheimer’s research in an effort to find a cure.  Visit our Facebook page to see pictures from this rewarding and uplifting day.

     

Celebrating Halloween Safely with Seniors

Halloween is meant to be a spooky night where kids get dressed up and run around the neighborhood collecting tasty treats.  For seniors this night can be physically exhausting on their bodies especially if they are participating in Halloween festivities.  Seniors who are staying in their home on Halloween night should invite family or friends to help them distribute candy to the kids to avoid the physical strain of the ups and downs to the door.  Having help on Halloween night, and an extra person in the senior’s home can also protect them from crime. 

Whether the senior plans to distribute candy or not, they should always leave on their outside lights.  Homes that appear vacant are more likely to be targeted by criminals and can be extra vulnerable on Halloween night.  Another idea is to ask a neighbor to keep an extra eye out the senior’s home during the course of the night, and to pass candy out on their behalf.  This can be accomplished by placing a sign on the senior’s door that directs them to the neighbor’s home to collect candy.

Halloween is meant to be a fun night and seniors should be able to safely enjoy this time to. Comfort Keepers of Newark DE is always here for your assistance.  Need more tips on how to keep a senior safe on the upcoming Halloween night, or any night? Please contact us at 302-892-2214

The importance of a good night’s rest for senior’s #seniorcare

Let’s face it getting a good night’s sleep every night can be a daunting task.  We all know that rest is important for the health of everyone.  What many people don’t realize is that getting a good night’s sleep is especially important for seniors. On average it typically takes a senior a longer period of time to fall asleep which means that even though the senior has gone to bed at a decent hour does not mean that they are fully rested.  Seniors are naturally more prone to illness than their younger counterparts so the loss of energy makes them even more vulnerable. 

There are several applications that can be downloaded to a smartphone to help promote a healthy sleep cycle. The apps suggested have a small learning curve and have been rated well by users. Tech savvy children or grandchildren may also enjoy showing our senior client how to use the application  The first is called Proactive Sleep Alarm Clock which allows individuals to track their sleeping progress and gives suggestions on how to improve their sleep cycle.  Another great app is Relax Melodies. This app plays sounds to help listeners fall to sleep faster.  We want to hear from you! What do you do to fall asleep better at night?

Interactive Caregiving Approach #seniorcare #interactivecaregiving #homecare

At Comfort Keepers of Newark, Wilmington, and Dover Delaware we follow the Interactive Caregiving approach to senior care.  This unique style of caregiving in one of the biggest aspects that separates Comfort Keepers from others in the home care industry.  What is Interactive Caregiving? Interactive Caregiving allows seniors to participate in their own care and activities of daily living (ADL’s) to the extent that they can.  For example when preparing a meal – Interactive Caregiving may mean that the senior helps the caregiver  actually prepare meals; or guides the caregiver with instructions on how to prepare a meal; or simply observes a caregiver preparing a special meal.  The senior’s personal interests are also integrated into their individualized care plan.  Some seniors enjoy spending time in the garden, and others like to go to the local mall for a walk.  Whatever the senior enjoys doing we try to incorporate those activities into their care.  Are you interested in learning more about Interactive Caregiving? Call us today: (302) 892-2214  

Healthy Cooking for Senior’s #seniornutrition #healthyeating

Eating healthy is one of the most important aspects of senior nutrition, and delivers both mental and physical benefits that can help to increase a senior’s vitality and awareness.  Healthy eating is often frowned upon by individuals who do not want to lose their comfort foods.  What most people don’t realize is that eating appropriate foods can still be fun and a beneficial activity at the same time.  Cooking can be a time to try new recipes and tap into your inner creativity.  To learn more about the benefits of healthy eating and senior nutrition visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/home/info-center/articles/CookingWithNutritionInMind?group=0 also join us on Facebook for weekly recipes https://www.facebook.com/pages/Comfort-Keepers-Newark-Wilmington-Dover-Delaware/281961388666326

Discovering the Need for In-Home Care During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches many middle age adults will go home to visit their mother or father.  This occasion is meant to be an exciting time, and most look forward to catching up with their loved ones.  Many adult children realize during the holiday season that their mom or dad may need some extra help around the home.  Maybe they are facing depression due to an empty home or the loss of a spouse, or maybe they have begun to neglect themselves and the household duties due to dementia.

Having the discussion around extra help with a parent can be a nerve wracking experience.  Many of our clients do not realize their need for in-home care until after their caregiver begins to work with them in the home.  Our Comfort Keepers provide more than just a service to our clients.  We provide comfort when they need it the most.  Comfort Keepers is more than just another in-home care service.  We are a friend, a shoulder to cry on, a friendly reminder, and a caretaker to individuals who need our compassion and loyalty.  If you live in the Newark, Wilmington, or Dover Delaware area and need assistance for yourself or a loved one please call us today at (302.892.2214) or visit one of our office websites below.

Newark Delaware http://newark-275.comfortkeepers.com/

Wilmington Delaware http://wilmington-170.comfortkeepers.com/

Dover Delaware http://dover-642.comfortkeepers.com/

Thanks,

Jamie Ramage

Owner, Comfort Keepers  

Senior Exercise

Living a healthy lifestyle can be tough, especially for our seniors.  Eating with nutrition in mind, and exercising on a regular basis provides more than just physical benefits. Living a healthy lifestyle also has enriches emotional health, and can help combat the depression that many seniors face today. According to a study done by Duke University depressed seniors showed significant mental health improvements while partaking in a workout regimen.  To learn more about the study that was conducted at Duke University please visit: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Depression/story?id=117946.  At Comfort Keepers of Newark, Wilmington, and Dover Delaware we are aware of the health benefits associated with senior nutrition. 

Our Comfort Keepers keep a healthy lifestyle in mind when working with clients.  This is all part of our unique approach to in-home care called “Interactive Caregiving.” Connect with us today to learn more about Interactive Caregiving and how we promote senior health through our unique in-home care services.

Newark Delaware http://newark-275.comfortkeepers.com/

Wilmington Delaware http://wilmington-170.comfortkeepers.com/

Dover Delaware http://dover-642.comfortkeepers.com/

Thanks,

Jamie Ramage

Owner, Comfort Keepers